Austin Tax Rate Guide: 8 Austin Suburbs With the Lowest Property Taxes

If you're looking for the suburbs of the city of Austin with the lowest property taxes, look no further! Plenty of Austin's best suburbs have lower property taxes than the capital of Texas itself. Whether you're an Austinite looking to buy your first home or a newcomer moving to the Austin area (welcome, by the way), read on to learn about Austin suburbs with low property taxes. So, without further ado, let's get started!

Sunset Valley

Sunset Valley is located approximately five miles south of Austin, at the conjunction of Highways 1 and 71. It is a small enclave in Austin, with less than 1,000 residents, and focuses on community and the environment. Residents participate in the Community Wildlife Habitat, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation. They have the opportunity to purchase native and adaptive plants for their yards through the Adopt-a-Tree/Native Plant Program.

Despite Sunset Valley's smaller size, there are two impressive shopping centers: Sunset Valley Homestead and Sunset Valley Village. Both centers have a variety of shops and restaurants, including Bluefin Sushi Bar & Ramen and Bougie's Donuts & Coffee. Sunset Valley's convenient location also provides easy access to Highways 1, 71, and 290 for an easy commute to Austin and its many amenities. The stunning custom homes in this close-knit community sit on oversized lots with well-maintained yards. The abundance of trees provides some cool shade from the Texas heat.

The property tax rate in Sunset Valley is 1.6357. Homes for sale in Sunset Valley generally have listing prices from $800,000 to over $3 million for 3- or 4-bedroom single-family homes with acreage.

West Lake Hills

West Lake Hills lies only five miles west of Austin, off Highway 1. It is a smaller suburb of Austin, with approximately 3,200 residents, and is one of Austin's most expensive suburbs—and for a good reason! It is a desirable and prestigious gated neighborhood, high in the hills and surrounded by natural beauty, but with spectacular views of the Austin skyline. The stunning custom homes include a mix of modern, contemporary, and Tuscan-style villas with oversized treed lots up to 5 acres, some with a view of Lake Austin and the Colorado River.

The convenient location provides easy access to Lake Austin, marinas, beaches, golf courses, and miles of green space and trails for hiking and biking. Residents also enjoy an easy work commute to Austin. There is one main shopping center, West Bank Market, that provides a variety of shops and restaurants, including Blue Dahlia Bistro, Saffron South, and Bruegger's Bagels.

The property tax rate in West Lake Hills is 1.7666. In this secluded luxury home community, West Lake Hills homes for sale can run from $2 million to $5 million for 4- to 5-bedroom single-family homes on acreage.

Rollingwood

Rollingwood lies only three miles west of Austin, off Highway 1. It is a smaller suburb of Austin, with fewer than 2,000 residents. This small city is big on amenities. The stunning homes are a mix of smaller 20th-century custom homes and newer luxurious estates with more than 10,000 square feet of living space. It is in a prime location on the Colorado River and at the west end of the Zilker Nature Preserve, which provides easy access to the yearly festivals and events at Zilker Park. There are acres of green space and trails for walking, bike riding, and dog walking.

Residents also have access to the Rollingwood Community Education Garden, which was built by a group of neighbors who wished to connect their community to the soil. With its convenient location next to Highway 1, residents have easy access to Austin's shopping, dining, and entertainment. There is also a growing business and retail district in Rollingwood, with various shops and restaurants.

The property tax rate in Rollingwood is 1.8300. Home prices mostly range from $1 million to $5 million for 3- to 6-bedroom single-family homes on large, lush lots.

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs, approximately 25 miles west of Austin, is known as "The Gateway to the Hill Country." This suburb of Austin is also recognized as the "Wedding Capital of Texas," which is no surprise due to its breathtaking beauty and natural wonders. Two of the most beautiful areas are Westcave Preserve Outdoor Discovery Center, where visitors can hike to a limestone grotto with a 40-foot waterfall, and Hamilton Pool Preserve, a historic swimming hole with a 50-foot waterfall.

Dripping Springs also takes pride in and preserves its history, as visitors will discover when they stroll along historic Mercer Street or tour the Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead. Visitors will also discover some unique shops and boutiques, including Cowgirls & Lace, Curated Cottage, and Panache Hill Country. Drippings Springs is also known for its abundance of wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Beverage lovers can experience them all on the Dripping with Taste Trail. There are also a variety of tasty restaurants, including Rolling in Thyme & Dough, Oak Creek Café, and Turcotte Butchers & Delicatessen.

The property tax rate in Dripping Springs is 1.9973. Property options include land-only acreages, new construction homes in the master-planned community Belterra Springs, and single-family homes on large lots. Acreage prices range from $200,000 for 1 acre to $5 million for 30 acres. Dripping Springs homes for sale typically range from $400,000 for a 3-bedroom home to over $3 million for a 4- to 7-bedroom luxury home.

Georgetown

Georgetown, home of "The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas," sits approximately 25 miles north of Austin on Interstate 35. Georgetown is rich in history, culture, and relaxed vibes, centered around its historic downtown and delightful town square with some of the most beautifully restored Victorian architecture in Texas. Visitors will find some of the most interesting and unique shops and boutiques downtown, including Prima Dora and Brazos Market. Georgetown is also home to a variety of delicious dining, wine, and brewery experiences, including Fuego Latino Gastropub and Barons Creek Winery. For those who search for unique attractions, the Inner Space Cavern nearby is a stunning 80,000-year-old living cave.

The property tax rate in Georgetown is 2.0728. The housing options in this eclectic community include historic Victorian homes, new construction golf course homes, luxury homes on acreages, and homes in Sun City, a popular Del Webb active retirement community. Georgetown home prices generally range from $250,000 for a 2-bedroom home to over $3 million for 6-bedroom luxury homes.

Round Rock

Round Rock sits approximately 20 miles north of Austin on Interstate 35. This dynamic city offers something for everyone, from its laid-back historic downtown to its minor league baseball team. The diverse home styles that include ranch-style single-story homes and Mediterranean-style mansions offer options for first-time and experienced buyers.

Kids of all ages will enjoy cooling off at Kalahari Resorts, the largest indoor waterpark in America, and golfers can tee off at one of the two pristine golf courses. There are also a variety of shopping options at Round Rock Premium Outlets and IKEA, and delicious dining options, including Fogueira Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse and B-Luxe Grill & Bar. After dark, catch a movie at Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In for some nostalgic fun.

The property tax rate in Round Rock is 2.0937. Homes for sale in Round Rock usually range from $200,000 for a 2-bedroom home to over $1 million for 5-bedroom luxury real estate homes.

San Marcos

San Marcos, one of Austin's most affordable suburbs, sits approximately 30 miles south of Austin on Interstate 35. Its location on the San Marcos River provides year-round outdoor adventure. Residents and visitors can swim in the spring-fed water that stays at 72 degrees, take a glass-bottom boat tour, or go kayaking and paddling. There are 1,200 acres of green space and miles of natural trails for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature. San Marcos is also home to the earthquake cave in Wonder World Cave and Adventure Park, a perfect place for explorers.

San Marcos also has a thriving art scene, centered around its designation as the "Mermaid Capital of Texas," with mermaid statues and murals around the city. San Marcos also has a bustling shopping district, with the largest outlet shopping center in the country, and a fantastic variety of casual and fine dining establishments, including Palmer's Restaurant Bar & Courtyard and Patio Dolcetto.

The property tax rate in San Marcos is 2.1605. The housing market is growing, providing home buyers with many options, including single-family San Marcos homes for sale with a river view, one- and two-story new construction homes, and larger estate homes. Home prices mostly range from $250,000 for a three-bedroom home to over $1 million for 3- to 4-bedroom homes with acreage.

Smithville

Smithville, approximately 45 miles southeast of Austin on Highway 71, is a friendly city rich in history and Texas charm. The town started as a small village on the Colorado River and was incorporated as a city after the railroad arrived. Visitors are invited to tour the Smithville Heritage Museum and the Smithville Railroad Museum to discover the history of the city and railroad. After the tour, stop by "Smitty's Corner" to see the replica of the world's largest gingerbread man cookie.

Smithville is an outdoor lover's paradise, with its location on the Colorado River, on which residents and visitors can go fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Smithville is also known as an arts and movie town, as the location of the classic "Hope Floats" movie and numerous other films. Visitors are welcome to pick up a map and tour the movie locations.

There is a bevy of fun stores for shoppers and diners, including the Smithville General Store, and a variety of tasty restaurants, including the Comfort Café and Zimmerhanzel's BBQ. Stay for a while in this friendly city at Katy House Bed & Breakfast or Gresham House or purchase a beautiful home and stay forever. Homes in Smithville for sale include new construction and single-family homes, with acreages being the most sought-after properties.

The property tax rate in Smithville is 2.2713. Home prices generally range from $200,000 for 2-3-bedroom homes to over $3 million for a 5-bedroom home on an acreage.

Central Texas: A Wonderful Place to Call Home

Central Texas is a vibrant area, with the fun and amenities of the capital city of Austin and the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. With their beauty, charm, and low property taxes, these Austin suburbs are all wonderful places to call home.